New Zealand's Pacific Economic Ambassador Shane Jones says New Zealand's fishing industry can benefit from skilled workers from around the Pacific.
During recent Pacer Plus trade negotiations, Samoa's Prime Minister Tuilapea Sailele Malielegaoi called on New Zealand unions to consider expanding the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme to areas such as construction and fisheries.
Mr Jones says a pilot fisheries training programme in Kiribati, funded by the New Zealand government, will allow some of its graduates to work in New Zealand.
He says regional leaders are keen to see similar programmes in other parts of the Pacific.
"There's about 9,000 cap at the moment in the RSE but there is scope in the fishing industry to marry the needs of the deep sea industry with the talent available in the Pacific."
Photo: RNZ